Fall 2009
Vol.15, No.3
National Estuaries Day
September 26, 2009 is National Estuaries Day! In this issue of the Georgia Sound, you will find
background information on our estuaries to help you understand what an estuary is, and why they are
so important.
Aside from the recreational and
Gould’s Inlet
commercial importance of Georgia’s
estuaries, there is another very important
function they provide that is often
overlooked. Estuaries buffer our uplands
from wave and current energy driven by
high-energy storms like hurricanes, tropical
storms, and nor'easters and very
importantly - provide floodwater storage
capacity to lessen flooding of uplands. And
estuaries, with proper planning and
Georgia’s estuaries contain nearly 350,000 acres of saltmarsh.
execution, enable the disposition of treated
human and industrial waste streams,
necessary for our population and commerce to thrive.
photo credit: Jim Couch
Simply, estuaries are the mixing zone where fresh water meets salt and they are exceedingly
important. Since the first inhabitants settled along coastal Georgia, we have relied on our estuaries
and the services they provide. Each day, Georgia’s tides move plankton and nutrients in and out of
the estuarine waters - making the area an incredibly productive ecosystem. These estuaries are
important nursery grounds for many organisms such as shrimp, crabs, fish and shellfish. Estuaries
provide shipping avenues for commerce, recreational fishing and boating opportunities. They
support our state’s commercial fishing and shellfish industries. The quality and vastness of our
estuaries also attract large numbers of annual visitors who participate in birding festivals,
photography workshops, kayaking tours
and nature walks.
Georgia's estuarine areas are vast. Their condition is, for the most part healthy, but certainly not uncompromised. Our estuaries are not just for the taking - they need conserving; they need managing.
They need your participation in the process. Participate in government activities to manage the
coast, work for a better result, and take care by seeing that your daily personal and occupational
activities leave it better all the time...and for all time.
By Brad Gane,
Assistant Director for Ecological Services
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 2
Fall 2009
Georgia's Estuaries – An Old Place of Constant Change
Each day, thousands of travelers pass through coastal Georgia on Interstate 95. Most don't realize
that this bustling highway follows the remnant shoreline of the Late Pleistocene era – a time
when ocean levels were rising and falling in response to fluctuating climate. Fast-moving vehicles
now follow the path where slow-moving giant sloths and lumbering mastodons once traveled.
Beginning thousands of years ago, this remnant shoreline became the dividing point between
freshwater wetlands fed by rivers and underground springs and saltier wetlands flooded by
seawater from the Atlantic Ocean. Over 2,500 miles of
winding waterways connect these wetlands creating one
of the most productive ecosystems in the world – the
estuary.
Depending on your point of view, an estuary is a scene of
indescribable beauty, a highway for commerce, a place to
recreate or a source of life-giving food. In reality, Georgia's halfmillion acres of estuaries are all of these things.
Twice-a-day tides of 6 to 9 feet in height push Atlantic
Ocean water through nine inlets, also known as sounds,
where it flows between and behind the barrier islands
mixing with fresh water from several sources. In estuaries like the Altamaha River Delta most of
this fresh water comes from the Altamaha River, which has its
headwaters in metropolitan Atlanta. Four smaller rivers feed other
estuaries. Some estuaries, like Wassaw near Savannah, are not
directly connected to rivers instead relying on local rainfall, runoff
and upwelling of groundwater from aquifers to provide life giving
fresh water.
The most prominent visible feature of Georgia's estuaries is the
marshes. Vast areas of smooth cordgrass, known to botanists as
Spartina alterniflora, bind together sediments deposited over
thousands of years. The constant cycle of life and death in this plant
community adds to other nutrients brought to the estuary from
rivers, wetlands, and the sea. The estuary, in turn, repays the favor
when large mats of decaying marsh grass or wrack are transported
up the connecting rivers and out to the open ocean during periods of
higher-than-average tides.
(cont’d next page)
Graphic: Dr. Bob Dean, University of
According to the textbook definition an estuary is a
transition zone where fresh water meets and mixes with
salt water from an adjacent ocean. This is a rather dull
description of an area that has fascinated poets, artists
and scientists for centuries.
Page 3
Fall 2009
coastal estuaries (cont’d)
Estuaries are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and Georgia's estuaries set
the standard. Yearlong residents like white shrimp share the estuaries with seasonal visitors like
the West Indian Manatee. The ever-changing mixture of brackish, nutrient-rich water flowing
back and forth over marsh grass, oyster reefs, mud flats, and deep channels creates a diversity of
habitats for young and old of many species. A newly born shark finds refuge from its cannibalistic
kin in the fresher areas of the estuary. Wading birds, like the great egret,
poise motionless hoping to ambush small fish forced from the marsh by
the ebbing tide. Larval shrimp and crab feed on microscopic animals,
which in turn feed on decaying organic material.
By their nature, estuaries are constantly changing. Some changes are on
a scale of minutes, some occur seasonally, and some plod along on the
geologic scale. Some are due to natural processes, others because of
man's direct or indirect impacts. Most noticeable is the change in water
level due to the tidal cycle. Areas that are dry can be covered with 8 feet
of water a mere six hours later. Because of coastal Georgia's location in
the center of the South Atlantic Bight, the tidal range is greater than
any other place in the Southeastern United States.
Seasonal changes related to weather and fresh water inflow greatly
influence animal and plant
distribution. In years where
What is nonpoint source pollution???
rainfall is below normal,
Nonpoint source pollution is a type of polluted water
especially drought years, the
runoff that may enter and harm our waterways. It is
estuary will be saltier, which
caused when rainwater moves over and through the
can advantageous to some
ground picking up natural and human-made pollutants.
species and disadvantageous to others. Often these
The pollutants may include:
changes are caused by natural cycles and are perfectly
Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides from
normal. Sometimes, human activities are the causes of agricultural and residential areas
these changes. For example, rainfall flows into
Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from parking lots and
roads
estuaries in the form of stormwater runoff, often
Sediments from improperly managed construction sites,
through engineered storm drains. These storm drains
crops and forestlands
may be right next to the estuary or the water may
Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pets and faulty
travel great distances via a coastal river. Stormwater
septic systems
may carry pollutants often referred to as non-point
How can you help?
source pollution. In many instances the estuary can
Keep litter, pet waste and debris out of storm drains
naturally filter these pollutants. There are however
Apply lawn chemical sparingly and according to
some long-term concerns about the increasing coastal
directions
population and what affects increased stormwater may Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze
Have your septic system inspected to be sure it is
have on the estuary as an ecosystem.
Seasonal storms such as hurricanes can redistribute
sand and sediments changing the way the estuary
functions. The storm surge from these types of storms
may also push saltwater far up coastal rivers. Luckily,
estuarine organisms have developed short-term coping
mechanisms to survive in this harsh environment.
(cont’d next page)
operating properly
Purchase household cleaners that are low in phosphorus
Control soil erosion on your property
Encourage your local government to adopt ordinances for
runoff
Page 4
Fall 2009
coastal estuaries (cont’d)
Long-term changes, though, may affect these very organisms. There is even concern about global
climate change and what affect a continued cycle of rising sea levels may have on Georgia's estuaries.
It should only take a ride down a coastal highway or a short trip in a boat to see how many people flock
to the estuaries of Georgia to enjoy boating, fishing, bird watching, kayaking and other water related
activities. The economic and ecological value of Georgia's estuaries is tremendous. It is up to all of us
to do what we can to conserve and protect Georgia's estuaries for the future.
Contributing Staff: Brad Gane, Jennifer Kline,
Paul Medders, Spud Woodward,
Georgia’s Important
Watershed System
Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes crossing
county, state and even national boundaries. A
watershed is an area of land that is bounded by
certain geographic features such as ridges that
divide the direction of surface water flow. A
watershed extends from the most upland location
from which water will flow through a network of
creeks, streams, rivers, sounds, and to the sea.
Georgia has 12 major watersheds. Five of them,
the Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Satilla, and
St Marys, bring fresh water to the coast and drain
50 percent of Georgia's landmass.
The Georgia Sound is produced by the Georgia DNR/Coastal Resources Division. If you would like
more information please visit our web site at: www.CoastalGaDNR.org or contact Coastal Resources
Division at (912) 264-7218.
This publication is made possible through the efforts of the GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division
staff and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grand Award #NA07NOS4190182.
Editor: Nancy Butler, CRD Public Affairs Coordinator, GA DNR
[email protected]
www.CoastalGaDNR.org
Page 5
Fall 2009
Short Strikes
By Spud Woodward
Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries
National Hunting and Fishing Day Set for September 26, 2009
Governor Sonny Perdue has designated Saturday, September 26, 2009 as National Hunting and
Fishing Day in Georgia. Residents will be able to fish in fresh and salt water without a license
and will not be required to have a wildlife
management area permit to fish on state-managed
public fishing areas or wildlife management areas.
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites will be
waiving parking or admission fees on that day, as
well.
Photo: Chris Woodward
In 1971, the U.S. Congress and President Richard
Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing
Day to recognize generations of hunters and
anglers for the time and money - more than a
billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife
conservation programs.
Georgia residents will be able to fish in fresh and salt water
without a license on National Hunting and Fishing Day.
According to the proclamation signed by Governor
Perdue, conserving the state's natural and wildlife
resources is one of the most important
responsibilities for this and future generations.
The conservation programs supported and
financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have
benefitted many wildlife species found within the
state's estuaries and coastal area including wading
birds, waterfowl and saltwater fish species such as
red drum, spotted seatrout and tripletail.
DNR Activities Support National Hunting and Fishing Day
In celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, an Outdoor Adventure Day for youth will
be held from 8 am to 12 pm at the Wildlife Resources Division Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery.
Contact Tim Barrett at (912) 727-2112 for more information.
Coastal Resources Division staff
will be at the Ski Rixen Pond on
Jekyll Island from 8:30 am to 12
pm to distribute loaner fishing
tackle and bait, and to provide
hands-on instruction for novice
anglers This 23-acre saltwater
impoundment is a great family
fishing destination with restrooms
and the Tideland Nature Center
on the premises.
For more information,
contact Paul Medders at
(912) 264-7218.
Ski Rixen pond on Jekyll Island is a the 23-acre saltwater impoundment which has a population of
redfish, seatrout, croaker, flounder, and other critters just waiting for a baited hook.
Page 6
Fall 2009
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Coming
Saturday,
October 3rd
15th
Ann
ual
CoastFest is Georgia’s largest educational event that celebrates the State’s coastal natural
environment. This free family-oriented festival brings together over 70 interactive
environmental, educational and resource organizations from around the southeast. Visitors
can get involved in colonial soldier encampments, see the 500 gallon shark pool, learn how to
“Save Georgia’s Frogs’, watch exciting programs under the Big top... and much more!!
Birds of prey, turtles, snakes,
sharks, lionfish!!!
Talk with scientists,
magicians, colonial
soldiers, weathermen,
native americans,
scuba divers...
...Catch The Excitement
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ga DNR/Coastal Resources Division
Watc
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be cr
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!!
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Look Who’s Coming to CoastFest...
Directions to CoastFest
I-95
US 17
I-95
American Red Cross ~ American Red Cross Blood Mobile ~
Ashantilly Center, Inc. ~ Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ~
Atsmagic with Magician Arthur Atsma ~ Center for a Sustainable Coast ~
Citizens for Humane Animal Treatment ~ Coastal Conservation
Exit
Sp
38
Association ~ Coastal Georgia Audubon Society ~ Coastal Regional
ur
25
Commission ~ Coastal Soil and Water Conservation District ~ Crooked River
State Park ~ Cumberland Island National Seashore ~ Driftwood Educational Center ~
Fort Frederica National Monument ~ Ga Soil and Water Conservation Commission ~
BRUNSWICK
Geechee Kunda ~ Georgia Adopt-A-Stream ~ Georgia Aquarium ~ Georgia
Exit
Association of Marine Educators ~ Georgia Conservancy ~ Georgia DNRDNR
29
US 1
7
Coastal Resources Division ~ Georgia DNR-Environmental Protection Division ~
Georgia DNR-Law Enforcement Division ~ Georgia DNR-State Parks and Historic Sites
Georgia DNR-Wildlife Resources Division/Game Management & NonGame
Sidney Lanier Bridge
Conservation ~ Georgia Forestry Commission ~ Georgia Ports Authority ~ Georgia
Sea Turtle Center ~ Georgia Southern University-Center for Wildlife Education ~
Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia ~ Glynn County 4-H ~ Glynn County Environmental Health ~ Glynn Environmental
Coalition ~ Glynn Recycles ~ Golden Isles Sail & Power Squadron ~ Grays' Reef National Marine Sanctuary ~
International Seafarer's Center ~ Jekyll 4-H Center ~ Jekyll Island Museum ~ Jim Sawgrass-Native American Indian Legend
& Lore ~ Keep Brunswick-Golden Isles Beautiful ~ National Weather Service Office-Charleston ~ National Weather Service
Office-Jacksonville ~ NOAA Fisheries Service ~ Sanctuary on Sapelo Wildlife Resources ~ SandTastics Professional Sand
Sculpting Team ~ Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve ~ Satilla Riverkeeper ~ Satilla Soil and Water
Conservation District ~ Seven Rivers RC&D ~ The Dolphin Project ~ The Society for Georgia Archaeology ~ The Team
Depot Foundation ~ Tidelands Nature Center ~ Tybee Island Marine Science Center ~ UGA/Marine Extension ServiceBrunswick ~ UGA Marine Extension Service - Education Center & Aquarium ~ UGA/Marine Extension Service-Shellfish
Research Laboratory ~ UGA Mobile Aquarium ~ UGA Warnell School of Forestry ~ US Army Corps of Engineers ~ US
Coast Guard Auxiliary ~ US Coast Guard-Brunswick Station ~ US Fish & Wildlife Service ~ US Geological Survey ~ USDA
Farm Service Agency ~ USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
CoastFest is sponsored by the GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division/Coastal Zone Management Program and made possible through a
grant provided by NOAA. For information contact Nancy Butler, at 912.262.3140 or email [email protected]
www.CoastalGaDNR.org